Machine for the harvesting of potatoes and the like.



W. M. MARTIN.

MACHINE FOR THE EABVBSTING 0F POTATOES AND THE LIKE.

APPLICATION FILED DEG. a, 190s,

931,882. Patenten Aug. 24, 1909.

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W/ TNSSES W. M. MARTIN. MAQHINB PoR THB HARVBSTING OP POTATOES AND THB LIKE.

APPLIGATION FILED DBG. 8

Patented Aug. 24, 1909.

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MACHINE POP. THE HARVBS'TING of PoTAToEs AND THE LIKE.

APPLIUATION FILED DBO. 8. 1908.

`93 1 ,882, Patented Aug. 24. 1909.

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WILLIAM MARTIN MARTIN, OF DUNDEE, SCOTLAND.

MACHINE FOR THE HARVESTING- OF POTATOES AND THE LIKE.

To all whom it may concern:

Be it known that I, WILLIAM MARTIN 'MARTEL a subject of the King of Great Britain, residing at 1 Royal Exchange Place, Dundee, in the county of Forfar, Scotland, have invented new and useful Improvements in Machines for the Harvesting of Potatoes and the Like, of which the following is a speciiication.

This invention relates to machines for the harvesting of potatoes and the like, the objects being to collect or gather them together, to free them from loose earth or soil and to deliver them into baskets, carts or other receptacles.

In order that my said invention and the manner of putting the same into practice may be properly understood, I have hereunto appended three explanatory sheets of drawings in which the same reference numerals are used to indicate corresponding parts in the figures shown.

Figure l is a side elevation of the machine. Fig. 2 is a plan and Fig. 3 is a sectional elevation at A. A. (Fig. l) looking in the direction of the arrow B. Fig. 4 is a part sectional elevation ofthe rotatory cylinder and the share. Fig. 5 is a front elevation of the cylinder showing the directional screwblades. Fig. 6 is a Jfront elevation of the share. Fig. 7 is a plan and Fig. 8 is a sectional elevation of same. Fig. 9 is a front elevation of a modified share. Fig. 10 is a plan and Fig. l 1 is a sectional elevation of same.

In carrying out my invention, I employ a cylinder 1 which rotates in the direction of the arrow C-having one or more `Archimedean internal screws or guides 2 (-continuous or in parts) which are of suitable diameter and length. This cylinder in its working position (as in Figs. 1, 2, and 3) is either inclined to or is parallel to the ground and is carried by a frame 3 which is mounted on wheels 4. The front extremity of the cylinder is provided with one or more directional screw blades 5 (three are shown) which may be spooned, curved, straight, or angled, each blade being a part of a screw, the arrangement being such that when the cylinder with its blades rotates and moves forward the earth 6 and the potatoes when lifted and guided by the share 7 which is de- Speeication of Letters 1,atent.

Application filed December 8, 1908. Serial No. 466,558.

scribed later, are relatively pushed backward through the revolving cylinder where the earth is separated from the potatoes by riddling and the potatoes deposited in receptacles or on the ground.

The blades may protrude beyond the cylinder which carries them, as is shown in Fig.

4 or they may be contained wholly within it and their edges may be shaped or blunted to thrust the potatoes aside without injuring them.

The share 7 which may be inclined, or horizontal or partly inclined and partly horizontal consists of a curved plate, part oi which may be flattened or it may be compounded oi a plate and prongs, or oi' prongs alone and is so disposed that it partly or wholly embraces the lower extremity of the cylinder, or its blades, that is to say the points of the blades 5 may sweep over the concave surface of the share or behind it. The inclination and height oi' the share may be regulated relative to the ground.

8 is a guide pocket or conveyer whose purpose is to lead the earth and the potatoes into the cylinder. The pocket is merely a receptacle into which the ground and potatoes are thrown by the screw blades from whence they fall back into the revolving screen, that is, the pocket performs a passive part and the front keeps the material from falling out. The action oi' the share is to liit the earth and the potatoes and the action oi' the rotating blades is to sweep such earth and potatoes back through the cylinder.

In some cases the share and the rotatory lifter .may be used by themselves. The potatoes are delivered i'rom the cylinder l into a hopper 9 which may be provided with two exit chutes and a pivoted iiap so arranged that when it lies to one side one exit is open and conversely, delivering into bags baskets or the like. The hopper if desired may deliver into a truck drawn by the machine, or into an elevator and from thence into a cart moving alongside. The potatoes or other material may be delivered directly into bags, baskets, or other receiver.

Having now described my invention what I claim as new and desire to secure by Letters Patent is g- A potato digger comprising a i'rame,

Patented Aug. 24, 1909.y

Wheels Supporting the Same, a, rotating Cylinder Supported by the frame and having Openings therein, Screws Within the cylinder, a Share Supported by the frame in 'front of 5 the lower edge of the Cylinder, and :L pocket formed at the upper edge ol' the Share for deliverng the earth and potatoes from the Share into the cylinder.

ln testimony whereof I have Signed my' name to thls Speeloatlon m the presence of le two Subsorlbmg WltneSSeS.

WILLAM MARTIN MARTIN.

YWitnesses. Y

GEORGE CAMERON DOUGLAS, AGNES CULBARD DOUGLAS. 

